Facilities operator

The Pirbright Institute

The Pirbright Institute delivers world-leading research to understand, predict, detect and respond to viral disease outbreaks. We study viruses of livestock that are endemic and exotic to the UK, including zoonotic viruses, by using the most advanced tools and technologies to understand host-pathogen interactions in animals and arthropod vectors. Our major strength in understanding the immune systems of livestock provides a platform to control current diseases and respond to emerging threats. This important research would not be possible without the proportionate use of animals, which are integral to the development of new disease control measures such as vaccines and diagnostics. We have an establishment-wide commitment to the 3Rs (replacement, reduction and refinement), high standards of animal welfare, a culture of care and openness. 

Our Institute is made up of a dynamic and vibrant community of staff covering a diverse set of chosen fields, backgrounds and experience. We all play a crucial role in furthering the Institute’s aspirations, advancing the frontiers of science and knowledge through our excellent scientific research, knowledge sharing and contribution; with a real focus in improving the world in which we live. Our outlook is always balanced by our strong sense of purpose, values and behaviours and an unwavering commitment to a ‘one Institute’ approach. 

About the Role                                                        

The Facilities Management Team sits within the EMS Operations & Programme function.

This role supports the delivery of core facilities services across site, including cleaning, waste management, autoclave operation and laundry services.

The role operates across a range of environments, from office and support areas through to laboratory settings including CL1, CL2, CL3 and SAPO4 containment facilities, with access and responsibilities increasing in line with training, competency and authorisation.

Working on a rota basis, the role plays a key part in maintaining safe, compliant and well-functioning laboratory and support environments. Core working hours are typically Monday to Thursday 08:45 – 17:15 and Friday 08:30 – 16:30, however the role operates on a rota basis and flexibility is required to meet operational needs.

The role requires a significant period of training to develop the skills and competencies needed to work safely and effectively across containment environments. As such, this role is best suited to individuals seeking to build and develop within a hands-on operational career pathway.

The post reports to the Facilities Supervisor.

Key Responsibilities

Cleaning and Housekeeping

• Clean laboratories (as permitted), offices, kitchenettes, and communal areas.
• Clean and maintain washrooms, changing rooms and locker facilities.
• Maintain cleaning equipment in a safe and serviceable condition.
• Monitor and restock cleaning consumables across site, including containment areas where required.

Laundry Services

• Collection of dirty laundry, washing, drying, pressing and re distribution of clean laundry both inside and outside of SAPO4 Containment.
• Ensure appropriate handling of items in line with biosafety and hygiene procedures.                                                                         

Autoclave and Waste Management

• Collection of discard tins within laboratories areas (1.e. SAPO4 Containment, CL3 and CL2 facilities) and transfer to designated autoclaves.
• Operate autoclaves in accordance with standard operating procedures
• Emptying of autoclaves and subsequent waste management duties.
• Maintain stocks of autoclave consumables (e.g. tins and filters)
• Supporting autoclave validation, by delivering validation loads and coordinating the validation programme to the end users.

Operational Support  

• Provide support across facilities services during periods of high demand or staff absence.
• Undertake ad hoc duties in line with operational requirements.            

Safety, Compliance and Quality

• Maintaining electronic training records
• Following Biosafety procedures and notifying Biosafety if procedures are not followed.
• Pro-active engagement with science users
• Compliance with The Pirbright Institute Quality Assurance program and work with the team to ensure the maintenance of Quality Standards following guidance from the QA department.                                                                                                                  
• Complete all logs and schedules in line with relevant methods, codes of practice and institute procedures to maintain traceability.
• Ensure all methods, COSHH & risk assessments are adhered to and acknowledged.
• Follow biosafety, health, and safety policies, and promptly report any non-compliance or unsafe practices to line manager or HSBS.
• Apply good working practice, including standards of behaviour and hygiene.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that enhance the efficiency and safety of operations.

Communication and Teamworking

• Work collaboratively with colleagues and facilities users to support day-to-day operations.
• Communicate effectively to minimise disruption to laboratory and operational activities.

Personal Responsibility & Development

• Complete all training required for role and ensure records are kept up to date.
• Take ownership of personal health and safety responsibilities in line with Institute Risk and Assurance procedures.

This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and is not an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities, or working conditions associated with it. Responsibilities may change to carry out other duties as may be reasonably required by the line manager and may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of The Pirbright Institute. 

Role Requirements

Essential

• Ability to carry out practical, hands-on operational duties (e.g. cleaning, waste handling, laundry) to a consistent standard.
• Ability to undertake a physically active role, including manual handling tasks (e.g. lifting and moving items such as autoclave tins approximately 4–7.5kg) and working on your feet for extended periods, with appropriate training and equipment provided.
• Willingness to work across a range of environments, including laboratories and containment facilities, following appropriate training and authorisation.
• Understanding of, or willingness to learn, health and safety requirements, including COSHH, safe systems of work, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Ability to follow standard operating procedures and complete basic records accurately.
• Reliable, with the ability to work effectively as part of a team and communicate appropriately with colleagues and site users.
• Flexible approach to work, including working on a rota and supporting different service areas as required.
• Willingness and commitment to undertake a structured training programme and develop role-specific competencies over an extended period.

Desirable

• Previous experience in a cleaning, facilities, laboratory support or similar operational role.
• Experience working in a regulated, scientific or high-containment environment.
• Awareness of biosafety practices or working in controlled environments.
• Experience of working to schedules, checklists or service standards.

What Pirbright offers you   

• A supportive and collaborative working environment with a strong sense of community.   

• Campus in a semi-rural location with free on-site parking and good transport links.   

• Generous Group Personal Pension Scheme and life assurance (subject to age and earnings).   

• 25 days annual leave plus public and privilege days, increasing up to 31 days with service.   

• Enhanced Maternity and Paternity package.   

• Option to buy and sell annual leave.   

• Option to carry over up to two weeks' annual leave.   

• Pirbright Lifestyle Hub (employee discount site).   

• Cycle to work scheme.   

• Childcare allowance.   

• Access to chargeable electric car charging facilities.  

• Employee Assistance Programme   

• Access to on-site facilities including subsidised staff restaurant  

• Options to join our on-site, fee-paying gym, social club and allotments club.   

Ready to make a difference?   

If you are a facilities operations professional seeking a challenging and rewarding opportunity within a prestigious scientific institute, we encourage you to apply. Please submit your CV and a compelling cover letter outlining your experience and why you are the ideal candidate for this role.   

We look forward to hearing from you!   

Important notice   

• The Pirbright Institute is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We are committed to diversity and inclusion within our workforce.   

• Due to the nature of the work carried out by Pirbright, all successful applicants will be required to go through a comprehensive screening process including reference and qualification checks, financial and security clearances.   

• All employees shall actively participate in the Institute-wide quality assurance system in conjunction with the Institute’s Quality Manager. Employees are also expected to safeguard their own health and safety and security by following policies, and all employees are responsible for the Health and Safety and security of staff under their management.   

Due to the high volume of applications, we receive, if you have not heard from us within one month of the vacancy closing date, please contact us at jobs@pirbright.ac.uk for an update.